AIR VENT FOR A VEHICLE

Abstract

An air vent (100) for a vehicle, wherein the air vent (100) has a housing (1a, 1b) with an air inlet region (3) and an opposite air outlet region (5), wherein a housing wall of the housing (1a, 1b) delimits, at least in certain regions, an air duct (7) for air flowing from the air inlet region (3) to the air outlet region (5) along a main flow direction (H), upstream of the air outlet region (5), the air duct (7) is subdivided into at least two sub-ducts (9a, 9b) which extend in parallel along the main flow direction (H) and which open into a respective air outlet opening (6a, 6b) at the air outlet region (5) and for air deflection as required, at least one adjustable air-guiding element (11a, 11b) is arranged in each sub-duct (9a, 9b).

Claims

1. An air vent (100) for a vehicle, wherein the air vent (100) has a housing (1) with an air inlet region (3) and an opposite air outlet region (5), wherein a housing wall of the housing (1) delimits, at least in certain regions, an air duct (7) for air flowing from the air inlet region (3) to the air outlet region (5) along a main flow direction (H), wherein, upstream of the air outlet region (5), the air duct (7) is subdivided into at least two sub-ducts (9a, 9b) which extend in parallel along the main flow direction (H) and which open into a respective air outlet opening (6a, 6b) at the air outlet region (5), and wherein, for air deflection as required, at least one adjustable air-guiding element (11a, 11b) is arranged in each sub-duct (9a, 9b).

2. The air vent (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in order to subdivide the air duct (7) into the at least two sub-ducts (9a, 9b), at least one separating web (10) which extends along the main flow direction (H) is provided which is arranged between two adjacent sub-ducts (9a, 9b), wherein the separating web (10) extends up to the air outlet region (5).

3. The air vent (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the air-guiding elements (11a, 11b) arranged in each sub-duct (9a, 9b) are in each case designed as air-guiding slats which are pivotable relative to the housing (1) of the air vent (100) between two end positions about an axis of rotation extending perpendicularly to the main flow direction (H).

4. The air vent (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein each sub-duct (9a, 9b) is assigned at least one projection (12) in the air outlet region (5), which projection protrudes into the corresponding sub-duct (9a, 9b) in such a way that the cross-sectional area of the sub-duct (9a, 9b) is reduced in the main flow direction (H), wherein the air-guiding elements (11a, 11b) arranged in each sub-duct (9a, 9b) are each designed in such a way that, at least in one of the end positions, the air flowing through the sub-duct (9a, 9b) is directed from the main flow direction (H) in the direction of the at least one projection (12) assigned to the corresponding sub-duct (9a, 9b); and/or wherein each sub-duct (9a, 9b) is formed, at least in certain regions, by a wall element which is curved in the direction of the air outlet region (5), wherein the air-guiding elements (11a, 11b) arranged in each sub-duct (9a, 9b) are each designed in such a way that, at least in one of the end positions, the air flowing through the sub-duct (9a, 9b) is directed from the main flow direction (H) in the direction of the wall element which is curved in the direction of the air outlet region (5).

5. The air vent (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the axis of rotation of each air-guiding element (11a, 11b) designed as an air-guiding slat extends through an end region, which faces the air outlet region (5), of the respective air-guiding element (11a, 11b), and wherein, in the two end positions, the opposite end region of the air-guiding element (11a, 11b) preferably butts against corresponding stops which are connected to the wall forming the corresponding sub-duct (9a, 9b) or are formed by the corresponding wall.

6. The air vent (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, upstream of the air-guiding elements (11a, 11b) respectively assigned to the sub-ducts (9a, 9b), the air duct (7) is not subdivided into sub-ducts (9a, 9b), and wherein at least one further air-guiding element (8) and preferably an assembly of further air-guiding elements (8) is provided in this region, wherein the further air-guiding element (8) or the further air-guiding elements (8) is/are pivotable relative to the housing (1) of the air vent (100) and relative to the air-guiding elements (11a, 11b) assigned to the sub-ducts (9a, 9b) about an axis of rotation which extends perpendicularly to the main flow direction (H) and perpendicularly to the axis of rotation of the air-guiding elements (11a, 11b) assigned to the sub-ducts (9a, 9b); or wherein, upstream or downstream of the air-guiding elements (11a, 11b) respectively assigned to the sub-ducts (9a, 9b), at least one further air-guiding element (8) and preferably an assembly of further air-guiding elements (8) is provided in preferably each sub-duct (9a, 9b), wherein the further air-guiding element (8) or the further air-guiding elements (8) is/are pivotable relative to the housing (1) of the air vent (100) and relative to the other air-guiding elements (11a, 11b) assigned to the sub ducts (9a, 9b) about an axis of rotation which extends perpendicularly to the main flow direction (H) and perpendicularly to the axis of rotation of the air-guiding elements (11a, 11b) assigned to the sub-ducts (9a, 9b).

7. The air vent (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the axis of rotation of the at least one further air-guiding element (8) extends through an end region, which faces the air outlet region (5), of the at least one further air-guiding element (8).

8. The air vent (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein a plurality of further air-guiding elements (8) are provided upstream of the air-guiding elements (11a, 11b) respectively assigned to the sub-ducts (9a, 9b), wherein the further air-guiding elements (8) are assigned a synchronization mechanism for synchronizing a pivoting movement of the further air-guiding elements (8); and/or wherein the air-guiding elements (11a, 11b) respectively assigned to the sub-ducts (9a, 9b) are assigned a synchronization mechanism for synchronizing a pivoting movement of the air-guiding elements (11a, 11b).

9. The air vent (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the air-guiding elements (11a, 11b) assigned to the sub-ducts (9a, 9b) are each designed to deflect the air flowing through the corresponding sub-duct (9a, 9b) from the main flow direction (H) in a first direction extending perpendicularly to the main flow direction (H), and wherein the at least one further air-guiding element (8) is designed to deflect the air flowing through the air duct (7) from the main flow direction (H) in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and wherein an actuating mechanism (50) is provided for pivoting as required the air-guiding elements (11a, 11b) assigned to the sub-ducts (9a, 9b) and/or the at least one further air-guiding element (8).

10. The air vent (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the actuating mechanism (50) has a preferably manually actuatable actuating element (51), and wherein the actuating mechanism (50) is designed, upon displacing the actuating element (51) in the first direction, to pivot the air-guiding elements (11a, 11b) assigned to the sub-ducts (9a, 9b) in such a way that the air flowing through the corresponding sub-duct (9a, 9b) is deflected from the main flow direction (H) in the first direction extending perpendicularly to the main flow direction (H).

11. The air vent (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the actuating element (51) is assigned a force transmission element in the form of a first shaft (52) which has a toothed region (53) which is in engagement with a toothed wheel (54), wherein the toothed wheel (54) which can be rotated in this way is connected to the at least one further air-guiding element (8) via a bearing point (55), with the result that, upon displacing the operator-control element (51), the at least one further air-guiding element (8) is pivoted in such a way that air deflection occurs in a preferably horizontal direction.

12. The air vent (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first shaft (52) of the actuating mechanism (50) can also be correspondingly rotated with the aid of the operator-control element (51), wherein this pivoting movement does not result in any force transmission to the toothed wheel (54), and wherein this pivoting movement is transmitted via a toothing (56) to a second shaft (57) which for its part is connected to the air-guiding elements (11a, 11b) via a driver element (14).

13. The air vent (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the air outlet area of the air vent (100), which is the sum of the cross-sectional areas of all the outlet openings (6a, 6b) in the main flow direction (H), is between 10 and 60 cm.sup.2 and preferably between 30 and 50 cm.sup.2 and still more preferably about 40 cm.sup.2.

14. The air vent (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each sub-duct (9a, 9b) is assigned precisely one adjustable air-guiding element (11a, 11b) which is arranged centrally in the corresponding sub-duct (9a, 9b) in such a way that the air flowing through the sub-duct (9a, 9b) flows around it on both sides if the air-guiding element (11a, 11b) is present in its neutral position in which the air-guiding element (11a, 11b) extends along the main flow direction (H), wherein the distance between adjacent air-guiding elements (11a, 11b) each in their neutral position is preferably 8 to 60 mm and still more preferably 20 to 30 mm.

15. A venting system for a vehicle having an air vent (100) as claimed in claim 1.

16. An air vent (100) for a vehicle, wherein the air vent (100) has a housing (1) with an air inlet region (3) and an opposite air outlet region (5), wherein a housing wall of the housing (1) delimits, at least in certain regions, an air duct (7) for air flowing from the air inlet region (3) to the air outlet region (5) along a main flow direction (H), wherein, upstream of the air outlet region (5), the air duct (7) is subdivided into at least two sub-ducts (9a, 9b) which extend in parallel along the main flow direction (H) and which open into a respective air outlet opening (6a, 6b) at the air outlet region (5), and wherein, for air deflection as required, precisely one pivotable air-guiding element (11a, 11b) is arranged in each sub-duct (9a, 9b).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] In the following text, exemplary embodiments of the air vent according to the invention are described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] In the drawings:

[0031] FIG. 1 schematically shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the air vent according to the invention;

[0032] FIG. 2 schematically shows a side view of the exemplary embodiment of the air vent according to the invention according to FIG. 1;

[0033] FIG. 3 schematically shows a view in longitudinal section of the exemplary embodiment of the air vent according to the invention according to FIG. 1, wherein the air-guiding slats of the air vent are each in their neutral position (“straight-ahead position”);

[0034] FIG. 4 schematically shows a view in longitudinal section of the exemplary embodiment of the air vent according to the invention according to FIG. 1 with maximum downward air deflection;

[0035] FIG. 5 schematically shows an isometric view of a further exemplary embodiment of the air vent according to the invention;

[0036] FIG. 6 schematically shows a view in longitudinal section of the further exemplary embodiment of the air vent according to the invention according to FIG. 5 without vertical air-guiding slats for horizontal air deflection; and

[0037] FIG. 7 schematically shows a view in cross section of an exemplary embodiment of an actuating mechanism of the air vent according to the invention for pivoting as required the horizontal and/or vertical air-guiding slats of the air vent.

[0038] Unless stated otherwise, identical reference signs denote the same objects in the following text.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] FIGS. 1 to 4 schematically show a first exemplary embodiment of the air vent 100 according to the invention. The air vent 100 has a housing 1 with a housing main body and a cover panel 2. The housing main body can be subdivided into a housing lower part 1a and a housing upper part 1b that is separable from the housing lower part 1a.

[0040] The housing 1 has an air inlet region 3 with a (single) air inlet opening 4 and an air outlet region 5 located on the opposite side from the air inlet region 3. In the air outlet region 5 a total of two air outlet openings 6a, 6b that are arranged in this case one above the other are provided.

[0041] As can be gathered from the schematic sectional view for example according to FIG. 3, in an end region of the air vent 100, which faces the air inlet region 3 of the air vent 100, a single air duct 7 is formed preferably by the housing wall of the housing 1. Specifically, in this exemplary embodiment, a housing wall belonging to the housing upper part 1b and a housing wall located opposite the housing wall delimit the air duct 7 for air flowing from the air inlet opening 4 along a main flow direction H.

[0042] As seen in the main flow direction H, the air vent 100 is subdivided substantially into two regions: in a first region A, which faces the air inlet region 3 of the air vent 100, a mechanism for horizontal air deflection of the air flowing through the air duct 7 along a main flow direction H is provided. This mechanism for horizontal air deflection has at least one and preferably a plurality of vertical air-guiding elements 8 (air-guiding slats) which are arranged parallel to one another and are pivotable relative to the housing 1 of the air vent 100 about an axis of rotation extending perpendicularly to the main flow direction H.

[0043] The second region B of the air vent 100 is arranged immediately next to the first region A of the air vent 100 and serves for vertical air deflection. In contrast to the first region A of the air vent 100, the second region B, provided downstream, is subdivided into several (in this case exactly two) sub-ducts 9a, 9b that extend in parallel.

[0044] For this purpose, in the embodiment illustrated by way of example in the drawings, use is made of a separating web 10 extending along the main flow direction H, which separating web 10 is arranged—with respect to a longitudinal center axis of the air duct 7 provided in the first region A of the air vent 100—centrally and in the middle and extends up to the air outlet region 5 of the air vent 100.

[0045] As a result of the separating web 10 being arranged in the middle, the air duct 7 is subdivided into two sub-ducts 9a, 9b that are preferably the same size; in the present example, into an upper, first sub-duct 9a and into a lower, second sub-duct 9b.

[0046] Arranged in each sub-duct 9a, 9b is an adjustable and in particular pivotable air-guiding element 11a, 11b for air deflection as required of the air flowing through the sub-duct 9a, 9b. This air-guiding element 11a, 11b is designed, in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the drawings, as a horizontal air-guiding slat and therefore serves to vertically deflect the air flowing through the corresponding sub-duct 9a, 9b.

[0047] Here, it should be noted, however, that, in FIG. 3, both the vertical air-guiding slat 8 and the horizontal air-guiding slats 11a, 11b are each shown in their neutral position, i.e. in a position in which no air deflection is effected by the air-guiding slats. This neutral position can also be referred to as a “straight-ahead position”.

[0048] In particular, it is apparent from the illustration in FIG. 3 that, in the “straight-ahead position”, air flows around the vertical air-guiding slats 8 and the horizontal air-guiding elements 11a, 11b on both sides, wherein in particular no deflection of the air flow is performed via the horizontal air-guiding slats 11a, 11b into the corresponding sub-ducts 9a, 9b. As a result, in the “straight-ahead position”, the air resistance is minimized. In particular, in the “straight-ahead position” there is no or only slight flaring of the air flow downstream of the corresponding air outlet opening 6a, 6b.

[0049] In the first exemplary embodiment of the air vent 100 according to the invention according to FIG. 1 to FIG. 4, use is made of an actuating mechanism 50 in order to actuate the horizontal air-guiding slats 11a, 11b in the sub-ducts 9a, 9b and/or the vertical air-guiding slats 8 in the air duct 7 as required and preferably manually. Here, provision is made in particular for the actuating mechanism 50 and the associated preferably manually actuatable actuating element 51 to be provided in the lower region of the air vent 100, i.e. beneath the second sub-duct 9b.

[0050] The arrangement of the actuating mechanism 50 and of the actuating element 51 in the lower region of the air vent 100 should not be considered limiting, however. Thus, it is also conceivable, for example, to provide the actuating mechanism 50 and the actuating element 51 in the middle region of the air vent 100, i.e. between the first and the second sub-duct 9a, 9b, wherein it is then possible—as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6—to dispense with a separating element or separating web 10 for subdividing the two sub-ducts 9a, 9b, since the subdivision into the first and the second sub-duct 9a, 9b can be brought about by the housing 1 of the actuating mechanism 50.

[0051] The structure and the operating principle of an exemplary embodiment of the actuating mechanism 50 suitable for the air vent 100 according to the invention will be described in more detail later with reference to the schematic illustration in FIG. 7.

[0052] Returning in particular to the sectional views of the first and second exemplary embodiments of the air vent 100 according to the invention, it should be noted that, in the region of the respective air outlet openings 6a, 6b of the sub-ducts 9a, 9b, corresponding projections 12 that project at an angle into the respective sub-duct 9a, 9b are provided. It is apparent that, as a result of the projections 12 extending toward one another, the cross-sectional area of each sub-duct 9a, 9b is reduced in the main flow direction H.

[0053] The corresponding projections 12 can be formed for example on the cover panel 2 of the air vent 100, specifically by cover panel portions that extend away from one another at an angle. The middle projections 12, which protrude, at least in certain regions, into the first sub-duct 9a, 9b on one side and into the second sub-duct 9a, 9b on the other side, can be formed on the separating element, or separating web 10, or be formed by a portion of the separating element, or separating web 10.

[0054] In the straight-ahead position according for example to the schematic sectional view in FIG. 3, no importance is attached to the projections 12 protruding, at least in certain regions, into the sub-ducts 9a, 9b, since the projections 12 are each chosen such that they do not protrude, or only protrude slightly, into the respective sub-duct 9a, 9b in the straight-ahead position of the horizontal air-guiding slats 11a, 11b.

[0055] However, this no longer applies in a state in which the horizontal air-guiding slats 11a, 11b have been moved into the corresponding sub-ducts 9a, 9b.

[0056] Specifically, the horizontal air-guiding slats 11a, 11b provided in the sub-ducts 9a, 9b are pivotable in each case between two end positions, of which one is illustrated in FIG. 4. In this end position, the horizontal air-guiding slats 11a, 11b deflect the air flowing in each case along the main flow direction H through the corresponding sub-duct 9a, 9b upward in a direction perpendicular to the main flow direction H, as can be seen from the corresponding arrow lines.

[0057] The air flow subsequently meets the wall delimiting the corresponding sub-duct 9a, 9b and is deflected in the direction of the projection 12 provided at the corresponding air outlet opening 6a, 6b of the corresponding sub-duct 9a, 9b.

[0058] As a result, in the region of the corresponding projection, an air cushion is then formed from air vortices, which air cushion deflects the air flow finally to the corresponding air outlet opening 6a, 6b. The air cushion acts in this case in a similar manner to an arcuately designed housing wall, although the projections 12 protruding into the corresponding sub-ducts 9a, 9b, at least in certain regions, bring about a greater deflection angle of the emerging air and thus more effective air deflection.

[0059] The air vent 100 according to the invention, as is schematically shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 for example on the basis of exemplary embodiments, is distinguished by the fact that, for vertical air deflection, in each case one horizontal air-guiding slat 11a, 11b is used in the individual sub-ducts 9a, 9b, which air-guiding slat 11a, 11b extends along the main flow direction H in its “straight-ahead position” according for example to FIG. 3, in order in this way to minimize flow resistance.

[0060] The horizontal air-guiding slat 11a, 11b is arranged in the middle of the respective sub-duct 9a, 9b such that air flows around this air-guiding slat 11a, 11b on both sides when the air-guiding slat 11a, 11b is present in its “straight-ahead position”.

[0061] Via the actuating mechanism 50 that is described in more detail later with reference to the illustration in FIG. 7, the horizontal air-guiding slats 11a, 11b are movable or pivotable into two end positions. Specifically, the horizontal air-guiding slats 11a, 11b are pivotable about an axis of rotation which extends through the respective air-guiding slat 11a, 11b at its end region pointing to the air outlet region 5 of the air vent 100. With maximum air deflection, i.e. in a state in which the air-guiding slats 11a, 11b are in their end position, the end region of the air-guiding slat 11a, 11b butts against a corresponding stop on the wall forming the corresponding sub-duct 9a, 9b and thus prevents air from flowing around both sides of the air-guiding slat 11a, 11b. Consequently, optimum air diversion can be achieved.

[0062] Given that—compared with the height of the air duct 7 in the first region A of the air vent 100—the height of the sub-ducts 9a, 9b is much less (in this case halved) in the second region B of the air vent 100, the corresponding horizontal air-guiding slat 11a, 11b and—if provided—the at least one vertical air-guiding slat 8 can be positioned closer to the air outlet region 5 of the air vent 100, this likewise having an optimal effect with regard to air deflection.

[0063] From a structural and functional point of view, the second exemplary embodiment of the air vent 100 according to the invention according to the illustrations in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 corresponds substantially to the first exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1 to FIG. 4, although, in the second exemplary embodiment, the actuating mechanism 50 is arranged with the preferably manually actuatable actuating element 51 in the middle between the first and the second sub-duct 9a, 9b, such that the housing 1 of the actuating mechanism 50 at least regionally also forms the separation between the first and the second sub-duct 9a, 9b.

[0064] Although, in FIG. 6, the air vent 100 is shown without a vertical air-guiding slat 8, this should not be considered limiting; rather, it is conceivable in principle for—as in the first exemplary embodiment—horizontal air deflection in the form of at least one vertical air-guiding slat 8 to be provided in the first region A of the air vent 100.

[0065] The first region A of the air vent 100 with the horizontal air deflection is separated from the second region B of the air vent 100 with the vertical air deflection by the axis of rotation of the vertical air-guiding slat 11a, 11b, which extends perpendicularly to the main flow direction H and perpendicularly to the axis of rotation of the horizontal air-guiding slats 11a, 11b in the first and second sub-ducts 9a, 9b.

[0066] As already indicated, the air vent 100 according to the invention is assigned an actuating mechanism 50 in order to actuate as required the at least one vertical air-guiding slat 8 and/or the respective horizontal air-guiding slats 11a, 11b in the two sub-ducts 9a, 9b.

[0067] In this connection, it is appropriate to couple the vertical air-guiding slats 8—if several such air-guiding slats 8 are used (this being preferred)—together via a corresponding synchronization element such that their pivoting movement is synchronized. In the same way, a corresponding synchronization element should likewise be assigned to the horizontal air-guiding slats 11a, 11b in the two sub-ducts 9a, 9b, in order to synchronize their movement.

[0068] The synchronization of the air-guiding slats 11a, 11b can—as can be gathered for example from the isometric views according to FIG. 1 and FIG. 5 and the side view according to FIG. 2—be realized via a suitable driver element 14.

[0069] In the following text, the structure and the operating principle of an exemplary embodiment of the actuating mechanism 50 are described in more detail with reference to the schematic sectional view according to FIG. 7.

[0070] In brief, the actuating mechanism 50 has a preferably manually actuatable actuating or operator-control element 51. This is for example an operator-control element 51 which can be moved linearly to the left or right in the sectional view according to FIG. 7. This linear sliding movement is delimited by corresponding stops.

[0071] Moreover, the operator-control element 51 is assigned a force transmission element in the form of a first shaft 52 which has a toothed region 53 which is in engagement with a toothed wheel 54. In this way, a sliding movement is converted into a rotary movement of the toothed wheel 54 via the first shaft 52.

[0072] The toothed wheel 54 which can be rotated in this way is connected to the at least one vertical air-guiding slat 8 via a bearing point 55, with the result that, upon displacing the operator-control element 51 for example to the left, the at least one vertical air-guiding slat 8 is pivoted in such a way that air deflection occurs likewise in a horizontal direction to the left.

[0073] The first shaft 52 of the actuating mechanism 50 can also be correspondingly rotated with the aid of the operator-control element 51, specifically when the operator-control element 51 (in the illustration according to FIG. 7) is pivoted into the plane of the drawing or out of the plane of the drawing. This pivoting movement does not result in any force transmission to the toothed wheel 54. Rather, this pivoting movement is transmitted via a toothing 56 to a second shaft 57 which for its part is connected to the horizontal air-guiding slats 11a, 11b via the driver element 14.

[0074] This has the result that, when the operator-control element 51 is pivoted upward, the horizontal air-guiding slats 11a, 11b are pivoted downward and effect upward air deflection.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0075] 1 Housing [0076] 1a Housing lower part [0077] 1b Housing upper part [0078] 2 Cover panel [0079] 3 Air inlet region [0080] 4 Air inlet opening [0081] 5 Air outlet region [0082] 6a,b Air outlet opening [0083] 7 Air duct [0084] 8 Further air-guiding element/vertical air-guiding slat [0085] 9a,b Sub-duct [0086] 10 Separating web [0087] 11a,b Air-guiding element/horizontal air-guiding slat [0088] 12 Projection [0089] 14 Driver element [0090] 50 Actuating mechanism [0091] 51 Actuating element/operator-control element [0092] 52 First shaft of the actuating mechanism [0093] 53 Toothed region [0094] 54 Toothed wheel [0095] 55 Bearing point [0096] 56 Toothing [0097] 57 Second shaft [0098] 100 Air vent [0099] A First region of the air vent [0100] B Second region of the air vent [0101] H Main flow direction